Hiking in Croatia: The Top Benefits of Hiking
Improved Sleep
A full night’s sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies (and life experience, if you don’t sleep well you know) have shown that an individual’s sleep quality and quantity can impact their cognitive ability, emotional stability, immune function, and more. In addition, low-quality sleep plays a role in the development of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression. So basically you are hiking for your life. If you want to save your life and reap all the benefits that hiking has to offer, it’s time to go outside and explore the great outdoors.
Lower Stress Levels
People who work long hours tend to have higher levels of stress than people who lead a more balanced life. This is obvious to anyone who has ever had to live under massive amounts of stress. So what’s the solution? It might be as simple as taking time out to enjoy nature. It might not be, but it won’t hurt. One study found that after one walk in the park, people felt their heart rate and blood pressure had dropped significantly. Another study showed that two hours spent hiking on a nice day was enough to release endorphins, which are known for improving mood and reducing anxiety. While hiking around like a maniac won’t pay your bills, it might help you chill out and find a more effective way to deal with any stress you are going through.
Getting Fit
Hiking is an incredibly rewarding form of exercise. It’s the easiest possible form of exercise you can do, you don’t need to invest a lot of time or money, and you’re mostly enjoying the scenery. You’re not going to walk around obsessed with step count and which muscles are activated, hopefully. Even if you do it’s fine you just might miss out on some incredible views. It is also a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints. So there are very few excuses one can have not to go for one walk that has so many benefits.
Improving Memory
People who partake in hiking, on average, have better memories than those who don’t. Studies also show that hikers typically develop a larger hippocampus which is a brain area linked to spatial and episodic memory. In addition, walking up hills encourages the production of new cells in the brain which assists with learning and remembering. So you’re walking for health and to be smarter.
Better Decision Making
When you have time to clear your head and think about a problem, it often leads to better decision-making. One benefit of hiking is the opportunity for solitude and reflection. Many hikers enjoy this kind of peace and tranquillity that they find on the trail or summit. Alone with nature, many hikers are able to take stock of their lives, be thankful for what they have, and learn more about themselves and their values.
Best Hikes in Croatia
This popular area is perfect for birding and hiking enthusiasts alike – you’re sure to encounter other people on the trail. Dogs on the leash are welcome! There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, depending on the time of your visit and experience levels.
This 5.0-km out-and-back trail near Dubrovnik is a great way to see the area’s natural beauty. The average completion time for this moderately challenging route is 1 h 50 min, but it’s worth taking your time to enjoy the views. This is a popular spot for birding, hiking, and walking, so you may encounter other people on the trail. The trail is open year-round, so there’s never a bad time to visit.
Head out on this 11.7-km loop trail near Buzet, Istra. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 34 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
The average completion time for the trail is 4 h 19 min, making it a popular choice for experienced hikers and runners. However, you can still enjoy some peace and quiet on the trail if you visit during less busy times of the day.
This stunning natural landscape is home to colourful lakes fed by mesmerizing waterfalls. Visitors from all over the world come to see Krka National Park for its unique beauty. As with all Croatian parks, the Krka National Park hosts countless rare animals and unique vegetation.
Best Hikes in Split
Walking through cobbled paths traverse unseen territories and learn about Split’s captivating past! Discover the history and culture behind the medieval churches and hermit settlements hidden in the rocks at the very core of the park.
Mosor Mountain
Located only 30 minutes from the Split centre, the area is a nature lover’s paradise. This mountain offers hikes in between its rocky slopes and breathtaking scenery to suit everyone’s preferences. With 7 km of trails, hikers never see the same sight twice.